Delta Entrepreneurship Programmes: A Path To Poverty Reduction — Governor Okowa
DELTA State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that his administration’s entrepreneurship initiatives are designed to reduce poverty and create jobs for the state’s young people.
He made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of the second cycle of the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (GEST) programme at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
According to the governor, the programme aims to equip unemployed youths with practical skills, reduce restiveness, and help them establish sustainable businesses.
“We believe the best way to tackle unemployment is through entrepreneurship and vocational training,” Okowa said.
Skills Development to Tackle Unemployment
Furthermore, Governor Okowa explained that his administration focuses on providing young people with the right knowledge, tools, and financial support to build small and medium-scale enterprises.
He noted that, given the limited job opportunities in the civil service and oil sector, skill-based entrepreneurship remains the most sustainable path forward.
In addition, he highlighted that global shifts in the energy sector make it even more important for young people to diversify their income sources and embrace innovation.
Encouragement to New GEST Beneficiaries
Addressing the 900 new participants of the GEST programme, Governor Okowa encouraged them to take the training seriously and remain dedicated to learning.
He praised the pioneer batch for their outstanding performance, noting that their success motivated the government to double the number of beneficiaries from 450 to 900.
“The first group did very well and set a good example. You now have an even greater opportunity to excel with a three-day orientation programme,” he said.
Moreover, the governor urged participants to use the training to transform their lives and justify the government’s investment in their future.
Measuring Success Through Results
Governor Okowa commended the Girl-Child Empowerment Office for carefully selecting 900 beneficiaries out of more than 21,000 applicants across the state.
He explained that the selection process was fair and transparent, using objective data to ensure equal representation from all regions of Delta State.
Additionally, the governor stated that his administration measures success not by effort alone but by tangible outcomes.
He further advised residents to avoid divisive sentiments and instead focus on building a stronger and more united Delta State.
Support and Encouragement from State Officials
Meanwhile, the governor’s wife, Dame Edith Okowa, expressed her excitement about the quality of participants.
She pointed out that many of them have strong educational backgrounds and encouraged them to apply their new skills to achieve success as entrepreneurs.
She also emphasized that vocational skills are vital for self-reliance and long-term development.
Likewise, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Community Support Services, Bridget Anyafulu, explained that the Girl-Child Office was created to empower young women aged 18–30 years through skill acquisition and capacity development.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Girl-Child Empowerment, Mrs. Marilyn Daramola, revealed that 900 out of 21,000 applicants were selected purely on merit.
She urged the trainees to stay committed and make the best use of the opportunities provided by the programme.
Private Sector Partnership and Future Goals
Furthermore, Mrs. Daramola appealed to the private sector to collaborate with the government in creating more jobs and empowering youths.
“No government can do it alone. The private sector must also play its part in providing opportunities for our young people,” she said.
She also expressed pride in the success achieved with the pioneer group and encouraged the new participants to work hard and make the most of their training.
Finally, Governor Okowa reaffirmed that entrepreneurship development remains a key part of his administration’s vision for Delta State.
He assured that programmes like GEST will continue to promote innovation, self-employment, and community growth across the state.
